Hello everyone! I’m so glad to be back here. I know I’m a bit late to this party. Oh well, so be it, I’m still gonna throw it. I wanted to share photos of the places I captured and traveled to this past year. My goal was to go somewhere every season and I pretty much accomplished that. Of course, there were many other places I had wanted to go, but alas, money and time are always an issue.

I had dreams of traveling to the Pacific North West and visiting Seattle for the first time. Spending some time in New York over Christmas was also on my wish list. And while I did get back to New Mexico for a few days, I didn’t get to see the White Sands, like I had hoped. That all being said, I did venture to some great places in 2017. Saw the birthplace of the Blues, walked among the cobblestones of America’s Founders and listened to a band play in the most famous club in the world.

Come see where I’ve been…

My first trip of the year was by car. I drove the 7 or so hours from Texas to Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is a cool, but somewhat sleepy town. Of course I had to visit Graceland and Beale Street. And a trip to Memphis wouldn’t be complete without some BBQ! Some of the best brisket I have ever tasted!

This is my fave shot from the trip. Visiting Sun Studios on a cold, rainy morning. I didn’t get to do the tour, but I hope to get back there and do so. It was very cool being so close to where legends recorded.

Next up: going to Philadelphia was quite an exhausting trip. I spent a whirlwind of three days there and did a ton of walking, taking lots of photos along the way. That is definitely the best way to explore the city, but if you’re on limited time like I was, it feels like you’re racing against the clock constantly! However, I enjoyed every minute of it. The mixture of its rich history and modern vibe was ripe for city exploration.

I took this image from the top floor of the PSFS building in center city. I think the iconic Liberty Place buildings are absolutely gorgeous and framing them just like so…

In the Summer my husband and I finally got back to New Mexico and spent some time both in Albuquerque and the Jemez Mountains. There is nothing like those blue skies and fluffy clouds. This was more of a laid back, relaxing trip, than a time to take photos, but I did snap some while I was there. I couldn’t resist!

The big trip for me last year was getting overseas to London again, in the Fall. This was the first time in many, many years that I had been overseas on my own. I was surprised not to feel a lot of trepidation. Instead, I just felt an eagerness and excitement to be in that amazing city again. The energy and melding of cultures is

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite picture from this trip. Plus, I’m still working on a lot of them! But, overall I think this image epitomizes the London spirit. A classic red phone booth, with a Big Ben photo bomb!

My last trip of the year was just an extended weekend to celebrate my moms 75th birthday. She had always wanted to go to Las Vegas, so off we went for a fast weekend of neon and 24 hour gambling.

We stayed in the old, downtown part of town. I have to say I liked it better than the Strip. But, honestly, now that I’ve been to Vegas twice, I realized that I have no reason to go back. Well, except maybe to visit the Neon Boneyard. But I doubt that will happen, they are just too strict about photography there.

As 2018 gets underway I am busy planning my next photo trips. I’ve already gone to San Francisco, so I’m thinking next up is Toronto, then another West Coast venture and hopefully Amsterdam in the Fall.

Traveling is a great love of my life, but it can take a lot out of you, both physically and financially. However, I’ve learned that I’m willing to fork up a bit more dough to stay somewhere that is closer to the sights I want to see. Since time is usually short, I now realize it makes more sense to stay at a place that’s more convenient for my photo excursions. That’s when good planning really helps!

I’d love to hear of your travel plans. Until next time, Happy Travels!

Hi there. It’s been a bit since I’ve been here. I’ll admit that I’m questioning again how I can fit this blog in with all the other tasks I’m trying to accomplish and stay grooving on. There are not enough hours in the day or enough brain cells in my head. The days are flying by and I can’t believe all the back-to-school and Fall items I’m seeing in the stores. Pretty soon the days will grow shorter and my Summer to do list will still be staring me in the face, judging me. I think I need an escape!…

Which leads me to New Mexico. I’ve been thinking about it for the past few months. Those insanely blue skies and vibrant peaks are calling me back to the Land of Enchantment. I’m ready to visit the mountains again and it just might be the boost I need to tackle my tasks.

So, next week we’ll be heading to Albuquerque and then on to the Jemez Mountains to let off some steam and hit the hot springs!

It’s been about 7 years since I was in that part of the state. I remember thinking on my first visit that there were some of the most beautiful of landscapes, they looked almost Photoshopped. The colors were so vivid and popped out at you from every vista. (No filters needed there!) This is what I want to see again. This is what I need to recharge my battery right now.

Ghost Ranch / Photo by Sonja Quintero

Jemez Springs / Photo by Sonja Quintero

Bandelier Monument / Photo by Sonja Quintero

While my photography skills have improved much since then, and I’ll no doubt be hitting the shutter, I’m hoping mostly to relax, reflect, and enjoy the great scenery this state has to offer. Along the way, maybe I will capture a photo or two, but not at the expense of savoring a New Mexico moment.

New Mexico Peaks / Photo by Sonja Quintero

New Mexico Wilderness / Photo by Sonja Quintero

Ghost Town Graves / Photo by Sonja Quintero

So, hopefully, next month, when I’m geared up and ready to charge through the rest of the year, I can take a sec to share my New Mex experience with you. Til then, thanks for reading and safe travels for all of those hitting the road or air.

Ps…as far as my blog posts are concerned, I may take a hiatus from time to time, as I know my schedule will just get crazier as the Fall and holidays approach. But, I’ll be back here as much as I can to share with my readers, whats up, what cool and what’s new in the photography and art world as I know and love it!